Documentary "Denis Levaillant, a composer at the heart of creation "

A documentary film directed by Jean-Marie David

Coproduction with MEZZO - 26 minutes (2008)

Profile of Denis Levaillant by the painter Enki Bilal (personnal web site of Denis Levaillant)

SYNOPSIS

In this intimate portrait of the French composer Denis Levaillant, the artist initiates us into the secrets of his creative process.

He also shares with us incredible moments of virtuosity at the piano. His techniques of composition are often unexpected for they are inspired by an eclectic combination of artistic disciplines. It is therefore not surprising to find Denis Levaillant collaborating with other artists such as Enki Bilal, author of comic books and film director. Nor is it surprising to find him at work on a piece with Patrice Bart, Ballet Master of the Paris Opera.

Though Levaillant aligns himself with a long musical tradition descending from Rameau his writing is resolutely turned towards contemporary audiences as demonstrated by the large spectrum of his repertoire.

The rich texture of his compositions is visible both in the variety of genres that he uses, examples of which range from jazz to opera, and in the variety of environments in which his works are performed, from the traditional concert hall to the circus.

Along this moving journey into the artist’s world we will encounter musicians such as the clarinettist Jean-Marc Foltz, the saxophonist Jean-Michel Goury, the accordionist Olivier Innocenti, the members of the quartet Arpeggione and the musicians of the Opéra National de Paris under the conduct of Ermanno Florio, all of whom have contributed to the appreciation of the work of this original composer.